Earlier this week (in)courage posted about their upcoming HOPE series, and invited everyone to participate. What a wonderful idea and great way to find inspiration through other people’s lives and find new ways of seeing HOPE in your own life. If you aren’t familiar with (in)courage, it is a new web community dedicated to women sharing stories about hardships in their lives, and finding the courage to make it through to the other side.

I decided to take on the challenge, but with a twist. I want to write about HOPE through the eyes of Eli. This is what I think he would write, if he were old enough to write, in the form of a letter to his momma (that’s me!).

Dear Momma,

In my 17 months experience, I have learned and grown in more ways that I could have ever imagined. I’ve experience many hardships (remember last week when you wouldn’t let me have that fifth cookie) but I’ve also been blessed over and over (like last night when you gave me a special treat of chocolate ice cream, yum!). With your guidance, my life has been molded and shaped with love, and I want to share with you how I see HOPE in my life.

1. I see HOPE in cookies, milk and ’nanas. I want every kid to experience the sweet goodness of these foods, how they make me smile, run around the house like a crazy person and help me grow big and strong. I HOPE that every kid is blessed with these basic necessitates.
2. I see HOPE in a room full of toys of all shapes and sizes. Red fire trucks, colorful blocks, soft and fuzzy stuffed animals. I HOPE that I have many, many friends to share them with, so no kid has to know life without the enjoyment toys bring.
3. I see HOPE when you and Dad-oo play with me, teach me and read to me. Spending time with me is more important than all of the toys and gadgets in the world, and I HOPE that every kid goes through life with someone devoted to helping them learn, grow and love.
4. I see HOPE even when I’m naughty! You and Dad-oo know that I’m still small and that I’m learning every day. You know that I don’t do naught things on purpose, but that I want to learn where my boundaries are. I HOPE that every kid has someone to guide them to make good decisions and learn from their mistakes.
5. I see HOPE in a future kid brother or sister, so I can pass down my knowledge and expertise. I have so much to teach (both good and naughty of course!). I HOPE that each and every kid has someone to look up, someone to comfort them and someone to teach them the in’s and out’s of life.
6. I see HOPE in the roof over my head, the warm food and cold milk in my belly, and my red stuffed puppy that keeps me safe at night. But most of all, I see HOPE in you and Dad-oo because you are there to comfort me, take care of me, and help me to grow strong–no matter what! And I HOPE that every kid is blessed with people who care for them and are wiling to do anything for them.

   Love, hugs and kisses,
   Elias, age 17 months

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